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WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE <br />1. WATER CONSERVATION <br />Work to date: In 1997, the Bureau of Reclamation released voluntary guidelines for the <br />preparation and implementation of water conservation plans (required by the Reclamation <br />Reform Act), which were consistent with a position adopted by the Council. Environmental <br />groups opposed voluntary guidelines and favored mandatory requirements. In order to help water <br />district's prepare and implement conservation plans and demonstrate the effectiveness of <br />voluntary guidelines, Reclamation initiated a "Field Services Program." Moreover, the 1996 <br />Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act directed the Environmental Protection Agency <br />(EPA) to develop water conservation guidelines for municipalities. In 1997, EPA invited the <br />WSWC to participate in the development of these guidelines as a member of an advisory work <br />group. <br />1998: The Council will continue to pursue appropriate federal and state initiatives in this area <br />that encourage water conservation through voluntary and flexible incentives to meet reasonable <br />goals. Moreover, the WSWC will work to ensure that any water savings are allocated under state <br />law and policy, taking into account existing property rights and the public interest. In so doing, <br />the Committee will coordinate its efforts with those of the Water Quality Committee with regard <br />to the development of the Safe Drinking Water Act guidelines. <br />Subcommittee: Mike Pearce, Chair, Jim Stubchaer, Chuck Lile, Wally Cory, Fritz Schwindt <br />Estimated Work Days: 10 days <br />Time Frame: ongoing <br />2 WATER INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS <br />Work to Date: Four successful workshops have brought western water agency staff together to <br />discuss data processing and water management needs and resources in Albuquerque, Cheyenne, <br />Phoenix and Boise. Participants have recommended continuing this annual meeting. A number <br />of other recommendations have been made and issues raised, including creation of a joint <br />federal/state technical working group and some type of clearinghouse for water related data. <br />A WSWC representative is on the federal advisory committee on water data management. <br />The Council has also supported greater funding and efficiency for USGS cooperative state <br />programs. <br />